Amber Valley council to let grass grow to ease 'nature emergency'

Amber Valley Borough Council in Derbyshire says it will reduce its mowing to help address a so-called “nature emergency.” The Labour-led council has pledged to build nature recovery into its strategies and policies, warning residents to expect changes in how council-managed spaces are handled. Amina Burslem said some areas will leave grass to grow “to create space for wildlife” and provide food and habitats for pollinators and other species, while giving landscape teams time to plant trees and wildflowers. Covering towns including Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley, the council is also drafting a formal Climate Change Action Plan for the next two years alongside its Biodiversity Strategy. It plans a Nature Network to support local groups and residents.